How To Kill Mold

[globe trekker]

Alright, all you experts out there. I need some assistance! I have been tasked

to remove a small area (say approx. 4-5 sq. ft.) of mold from a wall area in our

building. Hopefully kill the growth so it doesn't come back.

What would you use?

a. full strength bleach

b. liquid Lysol

c. soap & water

d. other

Thanks!

.

 

[fatboy]

C then A. JMHO

 

[97catintenn]

pour bleach on to rag and wipe mold off wall. look for leaks in plumbing causing a damp environment.

 

[cda]

Shotgun works well

 

[ICE]

Shotgun works well

Bleach will ruin the barrel.

 

[pyrguy]

Not if you clean it fast enough.

Lysol and water rinse followed by bleach. Then keep it dry. You can never kill all the mold.

 

[fatboy]

You need to make sure you have removed the food source also.......

 

[Francis Vineyard]

d. Most cleansers kill mold spores; need to use a product that kills the roots in addition to cause and prevention measures.

Something along the of lines of Tilex Root Remover would be a first choice; or an EPA recommend product such as moldSTAT though these manufacturer does not recommend it be used on porous surfaces.

Francis

 

[lunatick]

It depends upon the substrate and amount of contamination. It may need to be replaced.

Wood, sandblasting it with dry ice method.

Otherwise, deprive of it of air, food and moisture. Halogen anyone?

 

[lunatick]

why no edit?

It depends upon the substrate and amount of contamination. It may need to be replaced.Wood, sandblasting it with dry ice method.

Oh, and doh I just reported myself.

 

[ewenme]

The nice thing about bleach is that it will kill the spores. [sort of like bleach in the gene pool.]

 

[Kearney.200]

A Key hole saw or a rotary saw dense core gyp board a couple of 2x4s screws 20min compound and tape and a gallon of paint

 

[Frank]

Killing it does not work--there are new spores for it to start growing again everywhere.

You can wash it off surfaces with soap and water. Food sources for mold are also difficult to eliminate--any cellulosic material including dust, wood, paper, natural fibers etc will support mold growth if warmth and moisture are present.

Reduce the local moisture content and it goes dormant.

Keep relative humidity under 60% preferably under 50% and fix any leaks. Insulate pipes and ducts to reduce condensation. Avoid the use of vinyl wallpaper on exterior walls. Air leaking into the building in warm humid areas will lead to condensation when the AC is running, and conversely exfiltration of warm damp inside air in the winter can cause condensation in the winter but this is less of a mold problem because mold requires warmth to grow. Use of outside air intakes and keeping a positive pressure on the building can help in summer and a negative pressure in cold weather.

See EPA guides

http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home | Mold and Moisture | US Environmental Protection Agency

 

[Alias]

I'd start with the bleach and water first, then use a product made by Kilz, Zinnser, etc. on the painted surface. If that doesn't work, maybe replace the sheetrock. Also, keep furniture away from the wall (1" or so) to allow for air circulation.

Sue